Workplaces, committees, consortiums, and other groups and organizations make a big difference in promoting racial equity across our community. The more people are encouraging each other to explore these important topics, the more likely we will be to truly address inequities.
Of course, these conversations may not be easy or occur spontaneously. The following materials are designed for organizations of all kinds to prompt thoughtful conversations.
Encouraging each other to explore the topics raised in the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge can happen at any time, so Challenge organizers will keep these resources available for the foreseeable future.
RESOURCES FOR CONTINUING EQUITY CONVERSATIONS
Thank you for your interest in engaging in discussions about racial equity.
Whether you’re a CEO, Human Resources professional, or interested team member, you may need to convince others to embrace discussions of these emotional, sensitive, and important topics at work. The Harvard Business Review offers a compelling look at the events of 2020, and addresses head-on why businesses must take meaningful action against racism.
“Research shows that how organizations respond to large-scale, diversity-related events that receive significant media attention can either help employees feel psychologically safe or contribute to racial identity threat and mistrust of institutions of authority.”
How can you get started? Check out these resources for priorities and best practices:
- Yes, You Must Talk About Race At Work: 3 Ways To Get Started -Forbes
- How to Begin Talking About Race in the Workplace -The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- How to Host Meaningful DEI Conversations at Your Company -Greenhouse DE&I Council
- Creating a Safe Space at Work for Discussing Social Justice Topics -Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
PROMPTING EQUITY CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS
The materials and resources available through Rochester’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge can be used as conversation-starters for book clubs, study groups, professional associations, faith-based groups, and other types of organizations.
The following resources may be useful for those hosting these conversations with peer groups, friends, and family:
- The 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge Discussion Guide For Groups -University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute
- How to Have a Respectful Conversation About Racial Justice -AARP
- The 10 Rs of Talking About Race: How to Have Meaningful Conversations -Net Impact
- Race at Work -Harvard Business Review
SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-INS: IDEAS FOR 2021
FIRST QUARTER
January 19, 2021 will mark the fifth annual National Day for Racial Healing. There are many online resources connected to this day that you can use to engage others on the topic of racial equity – and you don’t have to wait to use them!
- National Day of Racial Healing Conversation Guide
- 10 Ways to Start a Conversation About Race – Get Involved with the Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing
SECOND QUARTER
Saturday, June 19, 2021 will mark Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day), the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
- So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth? -New York Times
- The First Juneteenth -PBS
- The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth -Smithsonian
THIRD QUARTER
On August 28, 1963, a quarter of a million people came together for the March on Washington, to show support for the civil rights bill. Recognize the anniversary with discussions about this notable time in U.S. history, and the developments in racial equity still to come.
FOURTH QUARTER
In 2021, National Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated from Wednesday, September 15 – Friday, October 15. Started in 1968, it recognizes and celebrates the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
- National Hispanic Heritage Month -U.S. Department of Education
- Hispanic Heritage Month -History.com
CHALLENGE INFO
JUST GETTING STARTED? Even if your group did not begin the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge when most other local organizations did, you can start anytime!
Check out these resources to participate:
SHARE THAT YOU'RE TAKING THE CHALLENGE
Use the image below to share that you've joined the Challenge on your website, in your emails, on social media, and more.
